He is survived by two daughters, Jennifer Leigh Jordan Foster (and her husband Mark Foster), Karen Jordan Davis Hopkins (and her husband Kenny Hopkins), as well as, seven grandchildren: Casey Davis Hopkins, Kristin Jordan Hopkins, Sara Ayres Hopkins Ayala (and her husband Robby Ayala), Sara Ashleigh Foster Smith (and her husband, Garrett Smith), Blake Hunter Foster, Olivia Catherine Foster, Anna Caroline Foster, as well as, one great-grandson Aidan Joaquin Ayala. He is, also, survived by his sister, Jean Jordan David of Columbus, as well as several nieces and nephews.
He was born in Columbus, Georgia on November 26, 1934. His childhood experiences in Columbus helped him develop a dedication to working hard, a lifelong passion for the written word and a keen appreciation for art.
Donald Jordan learned sharp business skills at a young age. Those skills served him well, but his passions were best represented by his own significant abilities as a writer and an artist. The combination of all three truly made him a modern-day Renaissance man.
Many of his happiest moments were spent helping others. His numerous charitable contributions included providing water lines in remote areas of Africa and in helping others pursue their passions. Through Columbus State University, he developed a national endowment program to help and inspire young writers to achieve their artistic goals. The Donald L. Jordan Prize for Literary Excellence is set to continue into perpetuity.
He was a member of First Baptist Church of Columbus and a previous, lifelong member of Wynnbrook Baptist Church where he served as Chairman of the Deacons.
He served on numerous other boards of directors including banks and nonprofit organizations. He particularly enjoyed serving on and contributing to mission boards that spread the gospel to the farthest corners of the world.
He was predeceased by his wife of 48 years, Sara Louise Ayres Jordan. They first knew each other as children at Wynnton School and then as students at Columbus High School, becoming reacquainted as young adults. They spent many years traveling the world, but were happiest to be surrounded by their children and grandchildren.
He was, also, predeceased by his parents Cecil Leroy and Wylma Wood Jordan and his brother, Milton Leverett Jordan.
The funeral will be held graveside at Parkhill Cemetery at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, May 18, 2023. All friends and family are welcome. Flowers are welcome, as well as, donations to Harvesters International in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina or First Baptist Church of Columbus.
To sign the online guest register, please visit www.shcolumbus.com.
